Pathways

Administrative Support volunteers help keep Pathways running smoothly behind the scenes through a wide range of important projects and office support tasks. These volunteers provide invaluable support to staff, patients, and families by handling the day-to-day work that allows our teams to focus on providing exceptional care.

This section may include opportunities such as:
• Front desk support at the administrative building
• Bereavement support projects
• Database transitions and organizational projects
• Mailings and office assistance
• Special projects and other areas of need as they arise

Caregiver Relief Volunteers provide companionship and support to hospice patients while giving family caregivers an opportunity to rest, attend appointments, run errands, or simply take time to care for themselves. Volunteers offer a calm, compassionate presence through conversation, reading, playing games, sharing hobbies, or simply being present with the patient. This role provides meaningful support to both patients and the loved ones caring for them.

Community Outreach Volunteers serve as ambassadors for Pathways by representing our organization at community events, health fairs, and outreach opportunities throughout Northern Colorado. Volunteers help raise awareness of the Pathways mission, share information about our services, demonstrate community support, and connect with individuals interested in volunteering. This role is ideal for outgoing individuals who enjoy meeting new people and helping build meaningful connections within our community.

Fundraising & Event Support Volunteers help make Pathways community events and fundraising efforts successful. Opportunities may include assisting with event logistics, soliciting and collecting silent auction donations, organizing and managing auction items, event setup and cleanup, guest registration, and providing general event support. These volunteers play an important role in helping raise funds and awareness that support the compassionate care and services Pathways provides to patients and families throughout Northern Colorado.

Licensed Massage Therapy Volunteers provide comfort-focused massage services to hospice patients in their homes or care facilities. Working in collaboration with the Pathways care team, volunteers help promote relaxation, comfort, and quality of life through gentle therapeutic touch. This role offers a unique opportunity to use professional skills to support patients and families during an important stage of life's journey.

Volunteers must hold a current massage therapy license and meet all Pathways volunteer onboarding and compliance requirements.

Notary Volunteers provide an invaluable service by helping hospice patients and families complete important documents that support end-of-life planning, personal wishes, and life transitions. Volunteers travel to patients' homes or care facilities to notarize documents, helping reduce stress and remove barriers during a meaningful time. This role allows volunteers to use their professional skills to support patients and families with compassion, dignity, and respect.

Volunteers must hold a current notary commission and meet all Pathways volunteer onboarding and compliance requirements.

On-Call Caregiver Relief volunteers provide support to hospice caregivers by staying with a patient while the primary caregiver attends an appointment, runs errands, practices self-care, or simply takes a much-needed break.

Volunteers offer companionship, conversation, and a reassuring presence so caregivers can have peace of mind knowing their loved one is not alone. No hands-on patient care is provided. This role is focused on being present, supportive, and compassionate during a time when caregivers often need extra support.

This flexible role is ideal for volunteers who enjoy connecting with others and are available to assist with occasional or short-notice caregiver relief requests.

Pet Therapy Volunteers and their certified therapy animals bring comfort, companionship, and moments of joy to hospice patients and families. Volunteers may visit patients in their homes, make rounds in assisted living or skilled nursing facilities, or spend time with patients at the Pathways Inpatient Care Center. These special visits can reduce feelings of isolation, encourage meaningful connections, and provide comfort during a difficult time.

Volunteers must have a certified therapy animal, provide current vaccination records, and meet all Pathways volunteer onboarding and compliance requirements.

Veterans Recognition Committee Volunteers honor the service and sacrifice of veteran hospice patients through meaningful recognition ceremonies as part of the national We Honor Veterans program. Volunteers present certificates, service branch pins, and heartfelt gratitude while creating opportunities for veterans to share their stories and reflect on their military service. Committee members may participate in recognition ceremonies, provide companionship visits to veteran patients, and help ensure that every veteran in our care receives the honor, respect, and appreciation they deserve.

Companionship & Caregiver Relief volunteers build meaningful relationships with hospice patients through regular visits, often weekly. Volunteers provide companionship, conversation, emotional support, and a caring presence based on the individual interests, needs, and preferences of each patient.

These visits may include talking, sharing stories, playing games, reading aloud, listening to music, taking short walks, or simply sitting quietly together. Volunteers also provide caregivers with peace of mind and an opportunity for respite, knowing their loved one is not alone during the visit.

No hands-on patient care is provided. The role is focused on connection, compassion, and enhancing quality of life through consistent and supportive visits.

This opportunity is ideal for volunteers who enjoy building relationships and can commit to regular visits with a patient over time.

Vigil Volunteers provide a calm, compassionate presence for patients who are believed to be in the final hours or days of life, often during the last 24 hours. These volunteers sit at the bedside, ensuring that patients are not alone during this sacred transition. Whether offering quiet companionship, reading aloud, playing soft music, holding a hand, or simply being present, Vigil Volunteers provide comfort, dignity, and peace to patients and support to their loved ones during an incredibly meaningful time.

Facility companionship volunteers provide regular visits as part of a team to hospice patients in assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care communities. Volunteers offer friendship, emotional support, and a compassionate presence to patients who may benefit from additional connection and companionship.

Volunteers may be assigned to:

• Visit a single patient regularly within a facility
• Serve as part of a facility volunteer team that visits multiple patients during a scheduled shift

Facility volunteers typically commit to visiting on a consistent day each week or twice a month, depending on patient and facility needs.

Pathways is excited to open our community thrift store this September. More than a place to shop, donate, and discover unique treasures, our thrift store will help support the compassionate care, grief services, and community programs that Pathways provides throughout Northern Colorado.

As a Thrift Store Volunteer, you will help create a welcoming and positive experience for shoppers, donors, and fellow volunteers. Whether you're assisting customers, organizing merchandise, or helping process donations, your time and talents directly support our mission of caring for individuals and families facing serious illness, grief, and loss.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Opportunities may include:

• Greeting and assisting customers and donors
• Sorting, organizing, and displaying donated merchandise
• Pricing and tagging items
• Maintaining an attractive and welcoming sales floor
• Restocking shelves and displays
• Assisting with donation intake
• Operating a cash register (training provided)
• Helping keep the store clean, safe, and organized
• Supporting special sales, events, and community outreach efforts

What Makes a Great Thrift Store Volunteer?

• Friendly and welcoming attitude
• Dependable and willing to learn
• Enjoys working with people and being part of a team
• Comfortable in a fast-paced retail environment
• Passion for supporting the Pathways mission and serving the community

Requirements & Considerations

• Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age
• Volunteers must successfully complete a criminal background check
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach throughout a volunteer shift
• Some roles may require lifting and carrying donations or merchandise weighing up to 25 pounds
• Volunteers should be comfortable interacting with customers, donors, staff, and fellow volunteers

Why Volunteer?

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at Pathways. By serving in our thrift store, you help create a space where community members can shop, donate, volunteer, and connect—all while supporting compassionate care for patients and families when they need it most.

Whatever your skills, interests, or experience, there is a place for you on our thrift store team. We look forward to welcoming you.